- 40.1 million Americans have diabetes, and roughly 1 in 4 don’t know it yet (CDC).
- Diabetes causes about 44% of new kidney failure and about 150,000 amputations a year.
- Nerve damage in the feet causes falls, and diabetes roughly doubles to triples the risk of dementia.
- Steady glucose control, daily foot checks and yearly eye and kidney tests help protect independence (NIDDK).
A disease of slow erosion
The CDC’s 2026 National Diabetes Statistics Report counts 40.1 million Americans living with diabetes, 12% of the population, and another 115.2 million adults with prediabetes. Roughly 1 in 4 people who have diabetes don’t yet know it. In Florida, more than 2 million adults have a diagnosis.
By the time a family starts talking about long-term care, a person with diabetes has often built up three or four complications that together shape what help they need.
The complications that lead to daily help
- Eyes: diabetic eye disease is the leading cause of new blindness in working-age adults. Vision loss makes medication management, cooking and driving unsafe.
- Kidneys: diabetes causes about 44% of new kidney failure. Dialysis several times a week reshapes a whole family’s schedule.
- Nerves: up to half of people with diabetes develop nerve damage. Numb feet lead to falls and to wounds that go unnoticed.
- Feet and limbs: diabetes leads to about 150,000 amputations a year. Losing a limb often means needing help with transfers and bathing.
- Heart and blood vessels: diabetes doubles the risk of heart attack and raises stroke risk.
- Brain: diabetes roughly doubles to triples the risk of dementia.
Any one of these can be managed. Together, they explain why diabetes is a leading cause of needing help with the activities of daily living.
What protects independence
The NIDDK recommends steps that lower the risk of these complications:
- Keep blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol in target ranges set with the doctor.
- Check feet every day for cuts, blisters or color changes, and see a doctor quickly for wounds that don’t heal.
- Get a dilated eye exam every year and kidney tests (urine and blood) as recommended.
- Stay active and don’t smoke. Both protect blood vessels in the heart, brain and legs.
- Watch for low blood sugar, especially in older adults on insulin. Confusion, sweating and shakiness can lead to falls.
For caregivers
Caring for someone with advanced diabetes often means glucose checks, five to ten medications, daily foot checks and many specialist visits. Caregivers often spend 8 to 20 hours a week. A written routine and a single, current medication list help everyone involved.
The free Diabetes white paper explains each complication, what Medicare covers and how families plan for care.
This article is educational information only, not medical advice.
Common Questions
How does diabetes lead to needing long-term care?
Over years, high blood sugar can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, blood vessels and brain. Complications such as vision loss, kidney failure, amputation, stroke, dementia and nerve damage that causes falls can each lead to needing daily help.
Does diabetes increase the risk of dementia?
Yes. Diabetes roughly doubles to triples the risk of dementia.
Why are daily foot checks important with diabetes?
Nerve damage can make the feet numb, so cuts and blisters go unnoticed. Catching them early helps prevent serious infections and amputations.
How many Americans have diabetes?
The CDC’s 2026 report counts 40.1 million Americans with diabetes, about 12% of the population, and roughly 1 in 4 of them don’t know it yet.
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Educational content only, not medical, legal or financial advice. Talk with a qualified clinician about your own situation. Sources for this post (all accessed October 2026):
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